Disney's Animal KingdomThe Parks
Disney Fans Are Losing It Over Who Just Showed Up At Animal Kingdom Theme Park
If you’re planning a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom soon, be sure to keep an eye out on Kilimanjaro Safaris for a special new addition to the savanna: meet Cinnamon, a baby Ankole cattle calf. Cinnamon was born this spring at Animal Kingdom Lodge and spent her first few months behind the scenes. Now, she has officially joined the main savanna, where guests can spot her during their ride.
Fun fact: there was initially a plan to keep Cinnamon at the Lodge instead of moving her to the safari, but that changed. She is now happily living with the rest of the herd in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.
So What’s an Ankole Cattle, Exactly?
Great question! Ankole cattle are not a breed that many of us are familiar with. If you haven’t heard of them, you’re not alone. They originate from East and Central Africa, especially in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
What sets Ankole cattle apart are their impressive horns, which can grow up to eight feet wide on a fully grown adult—about the size of a couch attached to a cow!
Cinnamon, however, doesn’t have those horns just yet. She’s still a baby, so she looks like an ordinary calf right now. In a few months, though, that distinctive horn shape will start to develop.
She’s Not the Only New Face Out There
Cinnamon’s debut comes shortly after another significant event. A few weeks ago, a baby giraffe named Ivy made her first appearance on the same savanna alongside her mother, Willow. It’s rare for two new babies to arrive within weeks of each other on the same safari ride, so this is an exciting development for regular visitors.
With the arrivals of Cinnamon and Ivy, along with several river hog piglets born earlier this year, Animal Kingdom is experiencing one of its busiest baby seasons in quite some time.
Tips for Spotting Her at Animal Kingdom
There isn’t a specific spot where you can consistently find Cinnamon, as the animals roam around the savanna throughout the day. However, here are a few tips to improve your chances of spotting her:
- Go Early: Mornings are when the animals are most active, before the Florida heat sets in.
- Take Multiple Rides: If you’re spending the day at Animal Kingdom, consider riding Kilimanjaro Safaris more than once. This gives you additional opportunities to see Cinnamon in a good location.
- Look for the Herd: Cinnamon is likely to be close to other Ankole cattle rather than wandering off on her own.
Regardless of if you see her up close or from a distance, it’s a special experience knowing there’s a new calf out there discovering her surroundings on one of the most famous safari rides in the world.
If you’re planning a trip to Animal Kingdom soon, make sure to add Kilimanjaro Safaris to your must-do list!
